8 Reasons to Visit Your Urologist

It is not at all uncommon to experience urinary tract issues at some point in your life. What those issues may be can vary significantly. You may have already dealt with kidney stones or incontinence, for example. Prostate conditions are often a concern for men. These potential problems related to your urinary tract are excellent reasons to visit your urologist!

What is Urology?

Urology is healthcare that focuses on the urinary tract in both men and women as well as the male reproductive system. If you’re dealing with a urinary tract condition, there’s no better health care provider to visit than a urologist. 

Why Visit a Urologist?

What if you’re not sure if your condition warrants an appointment with a urologist? There are a number of reasons to set up that appointment, but here are some more common conditions that your urologist specializes in:

1. Incontinence or overactive bladder: The loss of bladder control is linked to a malfunction in the urinary system. Millions of Americans deal with incontinence or OAB, especially those among the older crowd. While these particular issues are often attributed to the aging process, incontinence and OAB can be managed and treated. There’s no reason to spend your golden years suffering from frustrating and often embarrassing bladder issues!

2. Kidney stones: These acid and mineral deposits form in the kidneys and can pass into the ureters, causing pain and urination problems. There are several factors that contribute to the forming of kidney stones, many of which can be dealt with rather easily.

3. Urinary tract infections: UTIs typically occur when bacteria from the digestive tract migrate to the urethra. The symptoms may include incontinence, pain, nausea, and vomiting. An untreated UTI could result in a more dangerous infection in the kidneys. Women are especially susceptible to this pesky infection, but men are not immune.

4. Male infertility: In a situation where a couple is infertile, the male is just as likely to play a role in the problem as the female. It is certainly worth visiting a urologist to investigate. The most common causes of male infertility are sperm disorders, damage to the reproductive tract, and varicoceles (an enlarged vein in the sac beneath the penis). 

5. Erectile and other penile dysfunction: These issues are often a result of an underlying condition. Stress or anxiety could contribute to the problem. But more serious conditions will also be considered by a urologist such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.

6. Enlarged prostate: A fairly common issue among men over 50, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP or enlarged prostate) occurs when there is an overgrowth of cells in the prostate gland causing the urethra to constrict. A constricted urethra means your bladder isn’t able to fully empty, leaving you with the urge to go but the inability to relieve that urge.

7. Prostatitis: This infection causes pain. Where exactly the pain radiates from varies from case to case. Prostatitis is essentially an umbrella term that covers pain in any area related to the urinary system. Painful urination and ejaculation are included on the long list of symptoms.

8. Cancers: Any cancers that affect the urinary system, such as bladder, prostate, testicular, and renal, calls for the expertise of a urologist. Your urologist can also check for tumors and other symptoms indicative of cancer, potentially catching it early. What better reason to set up an appointment right away?

What to Expect at the Urologist?

Whether you suspect that you may have one of the above conditions or you simply want to ensure that your urinary system is healthy, there are some basic things to expect when you first visit the urologist. In addition to the usual paperwork and physical exam, the urologist will request a urine specimen for urinalysis. If necessary, the doctor may call for other tests or procedures such as blood tests, cystoscopy, biopsies, or ultrasounds.

Several other treatments and services are offered at a urology clinic, including cancer screenings, renal/bladder stents, vasectomies, and robotic surgery.

Every condition in the urology spectrum has the power to affect your quality of life. With pain and discomfort often comes emotional and mental stress. Don’t let the fact that these conditions can be extremely personal hinder you from seeking much-needed relief. Whatever you are dealing with now or may face in the future, the Urology Associates of South Bend are equipped to help. Schedule an appointment today.